hooks

[nhancock]

A recent thread prompted me to post about something I have been thinking about for a while.

So far in my fly tying I have been using only Mustad hooks. They are cheaper. Are other brands really that much better? If so why?

[pacer]

i have been tying for quite a few years now and use mustad almost exclusively...i use other hooks when the mustads i want are out of stock...the only big difference i see is the price...every once in awhile i break the point of a mustad hook, but that's because i pinched it too hard smashing the barb...i've had salesmen tell me that black hooks (like tiemco) will catch more fish, but that hasn't been my experience either...i think it's mostly a matter of fords or chevs...
jp...

[Crosby]

Ask 10 guys- get 10 different opinions. I don't use Mustads much but that was because years ago they were poor- I broke hook after hook- supposedly they are not that way anymore- but I don't know because I only use larger sizes in Mustads and not frequently- I do like Tiemco's- I do like Diachi or Diarikkis(sp) but each for certian hook styles. Tiemco's have some great thin wired short shanked wide gapped small hooks- that I feel really help my hook ups on small hooks- Diachi and the other Dia- have great scuds hooks- heavy hook setting devils- I do buy hooks in bulk from Round Rocks- but mostly for nymphs. So I am not sold on one manufacturer of hooks but buy for what I am tying.

[steelie]

Mustads - I only use the bass bug stinger hooks, because I like the shape, IMO mustads are not as sharp as the other hooks out of the package, and I hate to sharpen them. Their salmon/steelhead hooks really suck, extremely dull and hard to sharpen.

[fanatic]

If you want good quality inexpensive hooks buy the ABIs from Dennis at the Flydesk. $7.00/100

They worked out great for me and I've tied on alot of different brands.

[Trout4x]

If they are working for you and you are catching fish with them, use them.

Don't fix what's not broke.

[carpman]

There is a difference between good and bad hooks. Good hooks are made of high carbon steel. This makes them durable, and strong. Also, a bigger issue is the point. Mustad hooks are a ground point. Look at the point under a microscope and you'd see a huge difference. Tiemco, Daiichi, ect... use chemically sharpened points. The other advantage to better hooks is the many different styles. Different curved hooks, barbless hooks, heavy and light wire hooks, ect.....

Personally I tie on Tiemco hooks. They are extremely sharp out of the package, and have been very reliable.

The difference in hooks is so great that I can actually tell you whether you bought flies from me, or from the warehouse...... Just ask flysmyth............

[FlySmyth]

Carpman picks on me all the time. And why? I don't know.

I tie on ABIs from Dennis. He's got new styles just recently too.

I have never straightened an ABI either. I even dig the little packages they come in.

Ken "The Fly Smyth" Raddon.

[nhancock]

On the packages of the Mustad hooks I have purchased recently, they all say chemically sharpened.

[steelie]

nhancock, slide the hook, point down, across the top of your fingernail, applying hardly any pressure, if it catches then its sharp enough, any hook thats not this sharp, I wouldn't use - no matter what the name brand.

[Crosby]

Steelie: have you ever used the Gamagatsu hooks for steelheading?

[steelie]

No, never used them, I used Mustad first time I went - results were dismal. Switched to tiemco and have been pleased ever since.

[Crosby]

They are expensive- they are very sharp- and strong.

[carpman]

Gamakastu are great hooks. Very sharp. Sometimes even too sharp. I've had a few that the point was so fine, it tended to roll easily........

Mustad signature series hooks (new) I think may be chemically sharpened, but the wire still isn't as strong.........